Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leishmania infection found in healthy dogs in Croatia coastal
By Zivicnjak, T et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2005·Department for Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A seroepidemiologic survey of canine visceral leishmaniosis among apparently healthy dogs in Croatia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of healthy dogs in Croatia found that some were exposed to Leishmania, the parasite that causes leishmaniosis. Out of 306 dogs tested, about 42.85% showed signs of infection, with many having enlarged lymph nodes or skin changes. Interestingly, some dogs tested positive without any visible symptoms. The study noted that factors like age and gender influenced the likelihood of infection, but not whether the dogs spent time outdoors. This information can help pet owners understand the risks of leishmaniosis in areas where it is common.
People also search for: dog leishmaniosis symptoms · Croatian dog health · enlarged lymph nodes in dogs · Leishmania exposure in dogs
Abstract
Cross-sectional investigation was done on seroprevalence of Leishmania sp. infection among apparently healthy dogs in an area where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Survey included 68 dogs living in the coastal city of Split, and 238 dogs living in 12 villages scattered in the hinterland. Each dog was clinically examined for the presence of some discrete signs compatible with leishmaniosis and by dot-ELISA modification determined the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies. The titre 1:600 and higher was regarded as positive in the study. The seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 42.85%, depending on the location. 54.34% of the seropositive dogs had moderately enlarged lymph nodes and/or some discrete changes on the skin. In our parasitological study, Leishmania sp. was isolated from several seropositive animals that had some clinical signs and from a few which did not have any. Data analysis revealed that serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was not associated with a dog's outdoor lifestyle and utility, but was associated with the gender and age.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15946800/